Family Social Worker

OVERVIEW OF GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The Family Social Worker (FSW) supports low-income families by linking them with Head Start programs and community resources, helping them achieve goals for their child's education and family well-being. Key responsibilities include recruitment and enrollment of eligible families, conducting needs assessments, developing Family Partnership Agreements with families, providing resource referrals for health and social services, coordinating home visits, ensuring attendance and record-keeping, and fostering strong parent engagement.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

This position requires a strong commitment to advocating for families and fostering a supportive environment that encourages positive outcomes for children. Needs Assessment and Planning: Conduct needs assessments to identify family strengths and needs, and collaboratively develop individualized Family Partnership Agreements (FPAs) to set goals and strategies for success.

CURRENT RESOURCES LINKAGE

The Family Social Worker will facilitate access to community resources, provide ongoing support and monitor progress towards established goals. Connect families to necessary health, dental, and social services by providing information and referrals to a wide range of community resources.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and guardians to foster their active involvement in their child's education and development. Home and Community Visits: Conduct home visits and/or visits with families in the community to provide ongoing support, build relationships, and assess family progress and needs.

ATTENDANCE MONITORING

Maintain accurate and confidential family records, case notes, and program data within the designated data management system. Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and facilitate referrals for families in crisis, addressing safety concerns, food insecurity, or other emergency needs.

COLLABORATION

Engage in regular communication with families to ensure they are informed and involved in the services provided, while also collaborating with educational staff, community partners, and leadership to enhance program effectiveness and support family engagement.

RECRUITMENT AND ENROLLMENT

Identify and recruit eligible families for the Head Start program, ensuring enrollment targets are met and maintaining updated records.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: At minimum an Associate's Degree in Social Work, Psychology or other Human Services related field. Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other Human Services related field, preferred.
• Experience: One to two years related experience with low-income children and families; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Certificates & Licenses: Obtain and keep current all certifications, licenses, physicals, etc., at all times. Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Other Requirements: Must have experience with a variety of computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office, Excel, etc. Must be able to communicate effectively and get along with a wide variety of people. Ability to speak Spanish as a second language is a plus.

QUALIFICATION LETTER

The employee must have obtained and maintained an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Background check with state and Federal law enforcement agencies required.
• Selected applicants must submit to a pre-employment substance abuse screening test and receive a negative result for the use of drugs and alcohol as specified in agency policies.
• The employee must have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Must be able to complete a criminal background check and maintain an active Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualification letter through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Zero-cost Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (Employee only)
• Retirement plan with 5% employer matching
• Paid Vacation/Sick/Personal leave
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Employee Recognition Events

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must apply online at www.actionpathways.ngo.